- Comfortable clothes since it’s a full day and you’ll move around a lot. - Not all food stalls take cards, so bring some cash just in case.

BUS, SUBWAY, TRAIN, CAR

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from living in Korea, it’s that you never really run out of festivals, but this one was something else. Some are about music, others about food, but the Anseong Baudeogi Festival somehow manages to be about everything at once: tradition, food, laughter, and those moments that make you go, “okay, this was worth the trip.” We kicked things off with a cultural workshop before I even had a chance to get distracted by the food stalls (yes, I had to hold myself back). The mission? Make a mini 복조리, those woven charms that are said to bring good luck. Not gonna lie, it was harder than it looked and without a lot of help from our kind teachers, mine would’ve looked like a confused grasshopper. But that made it even more fun. Watching everyone twist and weave, laughing at our tangled attempts, made it such a wholesome start. It also made me appreciate how much skill and patience go into these traditional crafts (something that’s easy to overlook until you try it yourself). Then came the part I’d secretly been waiting for: the food. You could smell it before you even saw it; that irresistible mix of smoky, sweet, and savory that immediately tells you, “diet? Never heard of her.” Food stalls, food trucks, and tents selling local specialties lined the paths, each more tempting than the last. I ended up with a bowl of 한우 장터국밥, and honestly, it was perfection. Hot, rich, and comforting. I swear it could fix any bad day. 10/10, would eat again without hesitation. After that, I wandered around 안성맞춤랜드, and it was even prettier than I expected. There’s a lake surrounded by bridges and lotus flowers, with families taking photos, kids running around, and everyone just enjoying the day. Perfect spot to just appreciate the view, take photos, or pretend you’re in a K-drama montage. Of course, the highlight was the Namsadang performances. The energy, music, and acrobatics were incredible. There was drumming, dancing, humor, and that tightrope act that made the entire crowd hold their breath. You could feel the tradition but also the fun. Honestly, I was enjoying it so much that I kept forgetting to record anything (the ultimate compliment in 2025). What I also loved was that it wasn’t just the main stage bringing the fun, but there were smaller performances happening all around the grounds. So no matter where you wandered, something was going on. There were also tents where you could rent hanbok for free, which I sadly discovered too late (next time, I’m definitely coming prepared. I’ll be going full main character in a sageuk drama!!) You could also try Namsadang tricks like spinning plates or even tightrope walking (don’t worry, there’s a harness. No need to risk your K-drama debut.) And you could buy local goodies, including Anseong’s famous grapes. I loved that mix of old traditions and small local touches. Plus, there were tons of fun booths and events with prizes. And everyone, from the vendors to the staff, was incredibly kind and welcoming. I left feeling like I’d actually experienced something and not just visited a place. Anseong really surprised me with how much culture and charm it has. Huge thanks to Funday Korea for always finding places like this; fun, unexpected, and full of stories. Can’t wait to go back next year, hopefully walking around in hanbok this time (main character moment), or maybe making a 복조리 all by myself 😄